What Jesus Did : John 10:39-42 - The Legacy of John
by Phil Ware
The Legacy of John - John 10:39-42
The Jewish leaders tried to get Jesus again. But Jesus escaped from them. Then Jesus went back across the Jordan River. Jesus went to the place where John was baptizing before. Jesus stayed there, and many people came to him. The people said, "John never did a miracle. But everything John said about this man (Jesus) is true." And many people there believed in Jesus. (ERV) Full TextKey Thought
Isn't it amazing the power a godly legacy has on the hearts of those who loved the one who left them the legacy? John the Baptist is dead, but his teaching is very much alive. He told great things about Jesus. He helped prepare the way for the Messiah, his cousin from Nazareth. Even though Herod had John killed, his voice and influence weren't stilled. While none of us will probably ever be a John the Baptist to a host of people, we all can be like John to a few folks. We can be people of character who help them find Jesus. That's a legacy that can live for generations and make an eternal difference in the lives that follow us!
Today's Prayer
Father, glorious God of the ages, please use me to lead others to Jesus. Help me make a difference in the lives of those around. Use me to be a John the Baptist to those in my influence. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Today's Verses in Context
It was winter, and the time came for the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. Jesus was in the temple area at Solomon's Porch. The Jewish leaders gathered around Jesus. They said, "How long will you make us wonder about you? If you are the Christ, then tell us clearly." Jesus answered, "I told you already, but you did not believe. I do miracles in my Father's name. Those miracles show who I am. But you don't believe. Why? Because you are not my sheep (people). My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give my sheep eternal life. They will never die. And no person can take them out of my hand. My Father gave my sheep to me. He is greater than all. No person can steal my sheep out of my Father's hand. The Father and I are one." Again the Jews there picked up rocks to kill Jesus. But Jesus said to them, "I have done many good things from the Father. You have seen those things. Which of those good things are you killing me for?" The Jews answered, "We are not killing you for any good thing you did. But you say things that are against God. You are only a man, but you say you are the same as God! That is why we are trying to kill you with rocks!" Jesus answered, "It is written in your law, 'I (God) said you are gods.' This Scripture called those people gods—the people that received God's message. And Scripture is always true. So why do you say that I am saying things that are against God because I said, 'I am God's Son'? I am the one God chose and sent into the world. If I don't do what my Father does, then don't believe what I say. But if I do the same things my Father does, then you should believe in the things I do. You might not believe in me, but you should believe in the things I do. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father." The Jewish leaders tried to get Jesus again. But Jesus escaped from them. Then Jesus went back across the Jordan River. Jesus went to the place where John was baptizing before.Jesus stayed there, and many people came to him. The people said, "John never did a miracle. But everything John said about this man (Jesus) is true." And many people there believed in Jesus.-- John 10:22-42 (ERV)
URL: http://www.heartlight.org/wjd/john/0726-wjd.html
(c)2001-2006, Phil Ware and Heartlight, Inc.
©1996-2002, Heartlight, Inc. - http://www.heartlight.org